Ruby loves reading. I gave her some bookshelf space and ever since then she'll either pull out some books and sit on the floor and read to herself for a little while, or she'll come trotting up to us and ask that we read to her. She'll even present the cats with books. Or stuff the books in the cat littler.

I used to read to her before putting her to bed at night in that rocking chair too. But bedtime was starting to become a hell of a struggle between Ruby and I. It was clear that she couldn't let go of me, literally and figuratively, even when she was tired. So we changed things around a little.

For the past week David has been putting Ruby to bed. I nursed her in the living room and then David took her to the bedroom and stayed with her until she was asleep. Within 10-15mins she would be snorting away (whereas I'd be extremely lucky if she was asleep with me within 30mins).

Yesterday was my first day since that change to have her the whole day to myself, naps and bedtime included. And lo and behold--it was much easier! Now that nursing doesn't happen in the bedroom, she doesn't even ask to nurse while I rock her to sleep in the bedroom.

On an unrelated note--please send good health vibes my way. The stomach bug is not quite gone (although the queasiness is, thank goodness) and to top off my week, I have a horrible sinus infection. Long live a hopefully rapid antibiotic-assisted recovery. Maybe this will be it, for me, this winter?! "Ha, you wish," say those seasoned parents of young kids out there.